Isopoda
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 Eophreatoicus, a freshwater isopod from Australia
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Anthuridea |
Isopods are one of the most diverse orders of crustaceans, with many species living in all environments, but are most common in shallow marine waters. Unlike most crustaceans, isopods are successful on land (suborder Oniscidea, woodlice, which also includes sea slaters), although their greatest diversity remains in the deep sea (suborder Asellota). There are also several parasitic species within the genus Cymothoa, commonly known as "tongue-biters" for their habit of nibbling off fishes' tongues and attaching themselves to the floor of the host's mouth. The isopods are an ancient group with fossils known from the Carboniferous (suborder Phreatoicidea, family Paleophreatoicidae) that only differ slightly from modern southern hemisphere freshwater phreatoicideans. There are 4000 known species[1].
Appearance
Isopods have three main body parts; the head, thorax, and abdomen. They have one prominent pair of antennae which are used to search, taste and smell food. They also have a second pair which are not seen, and seven pairs of legs. Isopods have seven separate appendages on the thorax and paired appendages at the end of the abdomen called uropods. Isopods vary in colour from dark gray to white, with and without pattern.
Other Names
Various colloquial names for assorted Isopoda include Woodlouse, Roly-Poly, sowbug, and potato bug. They are also called Pill Bugs.
See also
- Giant isopod
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- ↑ Walters, Martin & Johnson, Jinny. The World of Animals. Bath, Somerset: Parragon, 2007.
External links
- Isopoda fact sheet - Guide to the marine zooplankton of south eastern Australia
- Smithsonian Institution World List of Marine, Freshwater and Terrestrial Isopod Crustaceans
- Buz Wilson's Isopod Sites Page
- suborder Phreatoicidea
- suborder Asellota
- suborder Oniscidea
- Prof. Chuck Holliday's Research Page, Prof. Chuck Holliday, Dept. of Biology, Lafayette College. Contains links to articles on osmoregulation in isopods and other crustaceans.
- Australian Isopoda
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